I have a 2007 WRX, stock. I have read as much as I can about quiet exhausts. Most people recommend the Borla Hush or the Maddad Whisper V2. Do any of you run either of these exhausts? Do you have any information or advice about which I should choose? What downpipe to go with? Places to get the best pricing or kit pricing for a full TBE that uses either of these CBEs?

I am a total noob and I am basically very uncomfortable making this decision. I will be attempting to do the work myself (because I think it will be fun/interesting). Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I have a Borla Hush, big fan. For a downpipe, I'd go with a catted bellmouth. It'll also keep the noise down as well as the stick which sounds like something you may be interested in too. Much more sleeper and doesn't really slow the car down any with a stock-like turbo. The Maddad is also very nice btw.

The difference between the two sound wise is that the hush is a deeper sound and a good bit louder at WOT. Both of them are fairly quiet at low RPMs but the hush is louder than most people think at higher RPMs. Personally, I think the hush is a good mix of quiet and loud mattering on your RPM disposition. I also prefer the deeper rumble. The Maddad is a better choice if overall noise level is your concern. Some people prefer the more "rounded" sound as well which is particularly excellent on the Maddad.

Personally, I limited myself to twin tip exhausts right away. Much less attention grabbing. Even without the noise, the 3"-4.5" tip on some of them get more attention than I would like.

on my old 03 that I used to daily I had the hush with a megan racing bellmouth dp and I loved it...just like mosc said it was quit at idle and normal driving conditions but when you stomp on it it'll get pretty loud but not too crazy like some of the other ones...plus it looks pretty stock so it'll be easier for you to pass inspection

My brother has the Maddad whisper and it sounds nice. Really quiet on idle, almost stock sounding. But at WOT, it's pretty loud. Looks and sounds stock but full 3" =). Best places to look for exhausts: NASIOC. Buy a catback/turboback used. It's a lot cheaper than buying brand new. If you must buy brand new, I would trust rallysportdirect.com , raceinspired.com. Raceinspired has one of the cheapest name brand exhausts for sale that I have seen. I got my Apex N1 for 450 brand new when they sell for 500+

I don't know if it's still available, but on my old '02 I wanted the same thing, quiet, but gave a better performance edge and tone. It had the HKS (I don't remember the model) carbon fiber one to begin with, and I hated it. I replaced it with the GReddy evolution muffler and had a local shop weld it up. It was SO much better! It was barely louder than stock, but left it with a very low tone that gave the perfect Subie bubble sound. I'm not sure if GReddy still makes the EVO or EVO2 mufflers, but if you can find one, even used, it'd be worth your while. On my '08, I opted for the SPT CBE. Same overall satisfaction. It looks mostly stock, except for the huge y-pipe from underneath. My local dealership actually had a deal on it because of the recession and what not. I picked up the entire CBE (keep in mind it's a dual muffler for '08) for just $350! They said they would have the special on them until the last one they had was sold. I'd check with your local dealership as I got mine in February, they may have something similar at your dealership too. Subaru list price for it is $900. It's also a full 3" from SPT, so you get the performance gain as well as a tamer sound. Both were still louder than stock, but completely manageable and you don't have to roll up the windows and drive timidly to hear the radio. Hope that helps you. Good luck and exhaust is a great first step to modifying your car.

I run the Cobb full TBE, its pretty quiet at idle, but lets you know your at WOT when the pedal is on the floor. Its not much different looking than the stock 07 exhaust except it says Cobb on the tip when you are looking down at it. Bit all the ones listed so far are very good for both quiet and price range. Shop around, look to see if you can find a used one if money is tight. Best of luck choosing.

Really? Some of the COBB catbacks I have seen seem too be a little too close to the bumper. I dont know if it is just me but idk. After having the HKS Hi-Power, i think everything is a little too high :P